SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human West Nile virus-related death in Illinois for 2021. 

A Will County resident, who first became ill in late August and tested positive for West Nile virus, has died.

“Although we are already into fall, we are expecting a warm weekend and West Nile virus remains a risk until the first hard frost,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “It’s important for everyone to continue taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn.”

Currently, 40 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Illinois.  Last year, IDPH reported 42 human cases, including four deaths.  In 2020, 26 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, bird, horse, and/or human case.